Clemson Tigers Defy Disappointing Season with Stunning NFL Draft Projections

Clemson football is poised for a historic NFL Draft. Despite a lackluster 2023 season, nine Tigers rank among the top 250 prospects on a major draft board. This surge could match a program record set nearly four decades ago.Analysts from Pro Football Focus compiled the rankings. The list signals a remarkable talent resurgence for Dabo Swinney’s program. It comes after the team’s lowest draft output in years.

Defensive Stars Lead Potential First-Round Charge

Three Clemson defenders are projected as first-round picks. Defensive tackle Peter Woods leads at No. 8 overall. Cornerback Avieon Terrell and edge rusher T.J. Parker follow closelyTheir selection would tie the 2019 draft class record. That year, Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, and Dexter Lawrence went in the first round. According to Pro Football Focus data, this trio anchors Clemson’s impressive board.Some prospects saw their stock fluctuate. Woods and Parker were once considered top-five locks. Their statistical production dipped during the recent campaign.Woods finished with a career-low nine solo tackles. Parker’s sack total fell from 11 to just five. Yet, NFL scouts clearly still value their foundational talent and athletic upside.

Offensive Talent and Program Implications Analyzed

The draft projections offer hope after a tough year. A strong draft validates Clemson’s recruiting and development. It helps counter the narrative of a declining powerhouse.For fans, it provides excitement during the offseason. It also serves as a key tool for future recruiting pitches. Prospective players want to see a path to the professional ranks.Wide receiver Antonio Williams and tackle Blake Miller are other notable names. Miller was once pegged as a first-round talent in preseason mocks. His inclusion deep in the top 100 remains significant.Quarterback Cade Klubnik’s absence from the top 250 is telling. He was viewed as a potential top pick before the season. His passing numbers declined sharply, impacting his draft outlook.

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This draft surge proves Clemson’s roster remains loaded with elite talent. The NFL draft projections offer a bright counterpoint to last season’s struggles. It sets the stage for a pivotal 2024 campaign for the Tigers.

Info at your fingertips

How many Clemson players are in the PFF Top 250?

Pro Football Focus lists nine Clemson Tigers within its top 250 NFL draft prospects. This is a substantial increase from recent years and approaches a program record.

Which Clemson players are first-round projections?

Defensive tackle Peter Woods, cornerback Avieon Terrell, and edge rusher T.J. Parker are all considered potential first-round selections. Their selection would tie a Clemson draft record.

When was Clemson’s last first-round draft pick?

Cornerback Nate Wiggins was the last first-rounder from Clemson. The Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Why is this draft class significant for Clemson?

It represents a major rebound in NFL talent evaluation. After a down year with only three draftees, this large class helps restore the program’s reputation for developing pros.

Which highly-touted player is missing from the top 250?

Quarterback Cade Klubnik is a notable omission. His draft stock fell after his passing touchdowns and yardage decreased significantly during the Tigers’ 7-6 season.

Trusted Sources: Pro Football Focus, NFL Draft historical data.